In the early morning, the Forbidden City’s corner tower.
The first ray of sunlight falls on the golden glazed tiles, the moat’s surface rippling with golden light. An elderly man walks his bird by the river, the songbird in the cage singing. In the distance on Jingshan, photography enthusiasts set up their long lenses, waiting for the best light.
This is Beijing’s quietest moment.
Beijing is a city that makes you want to return again and again.
Province Profile#
- Location: Northern China, northern end of the North China Plain
- Best Travel Season: April-May, September-October
- Highlights: Imperial architecture, hutong culture, Peking Opera art, roast duck cuisine
Must-Visit Attractions#
Forbidden City: Six Hundred Years of the Purple Forbidden City#
The Forbidden City is the world’s largest existing palace architectural complex, with 9,999 and a half rooms, hiding the stories of 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Hall of Supreme Harmony is the Forbidden City’s largest hall, where emperors held enthronement ceremonies and grand weddings. Standing in the square before the hall, imagining the scene of hundreds of officials paying homage, you can’t help but feel solemn respect.
Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery house royal treasures, each piece a priceless work of art. Imperial Garden is the emperor’s backyard, with pavilions and ancient trees—a rare leisure place in the palace.
Best Experience: Enter as soon as it opens at 8:30 AM, see the Three Great Halls first, then wander through the Six Eastern and Western Palaces. Exit from the Gate of Divine Prowess at dusk, climb Jingshan to see the Forbidden City panorama.
Great Wall: You’re Not a True Hero Until You’ve Climbed the Great Wall#
The Great Wall is one of the greatest buildings in human history, stretching for ten thousand miles across mountains and rivers.
Badaling Great Wall is the most famous section, well-preserved with complete facilities. Standing on the wall, watching the Great Wall wind along mountain ridges, magnificent in momentum.
Mutianyu Great Wall is more pristine than Badaling, with fewer tourists and more beautiful scenery. In autumn, red leaves cover the mountains, the Great Wall appearing and disappearing among red leaves—breathtakingly beautiful.
Simatai Great Wall is the only section preserving the original Ming Dynasty appearance, steep and precipitous, called “The Best of China’s Great Wall.” Jinshanling Great Wall is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, with light and shadow changing at sunrise and sunset—dreamlike.
Best Experience: Climb the Great Wall in autumn to see red leaves covering the mountains. Or night climb Simatai to see the Great Wall illuminated.
Summer Palace: The Model of Royal Gardens#
The Summer Palace is China’s largest existing royal garden, Empress Dowager Cixi’s summer palace.
Kunming Lake occupies three-quarters of the Summer Palace’s area, with clear water reflecting Longevity Hill. The Long Corridor is China’s longest gallery, 728 meters long, with over 14,000 paintings on the beams—each one a story.
Tower of Buddhist Incense is the Summer Palace’s symbol, octagonal and three-storied, 41 meters high—climb to the top for a panoramic view of the garden. Seventeen-Arch Bridge spans Kunming Lake, with 544 stone lions carved on the bridge, each in a different pose.
Best Experience: Come to the Summer Palace in winter, skate on Kunming Lake, and experience old Beijing’s winter fun.
Special Experiences#
Hutong Walking#
Hutongs are Beijing’s bloodlines, hiding old Beijing’s earthly vitality.
Nanluoguxiang is the most famous hutong, lined with various small shops, cafés, and creative stores. Shichahai is where Beijing people cool off in summer and skate in winter, with bars and teahouses lining the shore.
Wudaoying Hutong and Guozijian Street are quieter, suitable for slow wandering. Dongjiaominxiang was the former embassy district, with Western buildings lining the street—unique flavor.
Temple of Heaven Morning Exercise#
The Temple of Heaven is where Ming and Qing emperors worshipped heaven, and also a paradise for Beijing people’s morning exercise.
In the early morning, grandpas and grandmas practice Tai Chi, kick shuttlecocks, sing Peking Opera, and practice Qigong here. Echo Wall and Circular Mound Altar are must-visit spots to experience the wisdom of the ancients.
Peking Opera and Roast Duck#
In Beijing, how can you not watch a Peking Opera? Mei Lanfang Grand Theater and Chang’an Grand Theater both have performances—feel the charm of this national treasure.
Quanjude and Bianyifang are time-honored roast duck restaurants, with crispy skin and tender meat, paired with thin pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce—one bite, full of fragrance.
Travel Tips#
- Transportation: Beijing is a transportation hub, with high-speed rail and flights to all parts of the country. The city’s subway is extensive—recommend getting a transportation card.
- Accommodation: Recommend staying within the Second Ring Road, close to the subway. Qianmen, Wangfujing, and Shichahai are all good choices.
- Note: The Forbidden City requires advance reservation—tickets are hard to get during peak season. Recommend visiting the Great Wall on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Beijing’s charm lies in its inclusiveness.
On one side is the Forbidden City’s magnificent solemnity, on the other is the hutongs’ earthly daily life; on one side is Guomao’s towering skyscrapers, on the other is Shichahai’s leisurely ease.
Ancient and modern blend perfectly here.
Come to Beijing and understand China’s past and future.
Tomorrow, we head to Tianjin to see the charm of Haihe River and the Western-style houses of Five Great Avenues.